travel

[Auntiemoll]

Has any one ever taken a cat on a ship? We are spending two months in the Shetland Islands this summer and as our cat is 17 years old and the airline FLYbe does not carry animals on this Scottish route the only alternative is to go via the overnight ferry (12 hours) from Aberdeen, or would it be kinder to leave him in his own home looked after by a very kind neighbour?

[eash]

I agree, leave him at home.

[Rosetta]

You would also have to add on the time travelling to and from the ship so it would be a very long journey for him to be in a cat carrier.
It would probably be best to leave him at home, particularly in view of his age.
If you prefer you could also phone your vet for advice but I suspect it would be the same.

[Schutzengel]

At 17yrs of age, your cat would be best left at home in his own comfortable surroundings. But make sure that your very kind neighbour is totally reliable, and that she/he is well acquainted with the cat before you leave. And that the cat is comfortable around the neighbour. Hope you enjoy your extended trip.

[bensmum]

As it's only for 2 months and due to his age I would advise leaving him where he is comfortable as long as he has someone he knows looking after him. Cats can be sedated for long journeys but he is pretty elderly in cat terms so it may be more risky. Is there someone who could house-sit or is he used to being left on his own at home?

[Mr Veritas]

I hacve to agree with the other posters.
If you were moving permanently to The Shetlands then I would say yes,take him of course.
However,given his age,and the fact that you are only going for 2 months,I think it would be kinder and safer to leave him at home/
Elderly cats can become quite disorientated in new surroundings,and you take the risk of him fleeing the new home,and not being able to find him again.

[Auntiemoll]

Thanks to all for your advice. You have made up my mind we will leave Ben in the capable hands of my next door neighbour when we go to visit my son. She always looks after him when we go up to the Shetlands, but that is usually for a fortnight at a time. He is quite content in her company , in fact he can often be found snoozing on her bed !!!!!

I also took on board the fact that it would be another 7 hour car trip to Aberdeen from where we live for him. we don't relish leaving him for so long, and have thought long and hard about going for two months but our human family must come first....

[Rosetta]

Have a great time with your son this summer. Ben might also have found the temperature in the summer a problem when travelling ( assuming that is we get any hot weather LOL)

I am sure he will be fine, particularly as he is alreay used to using your neighbour's house as his own.